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Day 9: Trek tubeless tires take toll

As Geeto’s steroids are creating positivity in the poison ivy department, tire anxiety is running an all time high. We left Washtucna at 9; at 10:10 we were into another flat on Geeto’s bike – his 2nd in two days. Then when we arrived at our destination in Tekoa (pronounced tee-koh), Geeto and I were setting up tents while Mark was on the phone when we heard his rear tire suddenly and significantly hiss at us. It was quite comical actually.

Then, it was no longer funny when we realized the release lever on his rear axle was left off by the folks at the bike shop in Walla Walla. After some consternation, we decided to take that lever off of Geeto’s bike for use on Lecy’s. With some difficulty, we got this sorted. But now it seemed the bike shop people must’ve used a torque wrench at the highest setting when they remounted his wheel. Finally, with the use of the replacement kickstand I bought as a lever, we overcame. We used one of the two tubes I’ve been carrying to make do. Tomorrow we’ll swing by the Bike Haus and Brew House in Harrison Idaho where we hope for new tires and their entire stock of spare tubes.

It’s late tonight, and I need more sleep. So this is going to be brief.

Should’ve included a photo of my Red Room last night
Flat number 1 today
Living the dream, 3 hours into our 10 hour day behind the closed convenience store
Enjoying slushies behind the gas station in Coalfax – very hot and tired and ready for lunch
We traveled on this road under construction for a few miles to Oaksdale; we had to hike bikes over fist sized boulders a few times
Getting ready for walking on the gravel
We were grateful the food mart in Tekoa was open when we arrived at 7:00pm; slushies and salty snacks a great reward after 82 miles (hot with headwinds)
Local (Chad) at the food mart said he’s seen bikers camp at this Tekoa Rest Area; lovely spot with water and porcelain toilets (wondering if I’ll ever get out my Chelsea bag!); see Lecy in Orange at the back by the tents
We’re across the street from the theater (though it’s hard to tell what’s really operational in this quiet town)
After dinner in the dark, we got the flat fixed (it really was quite an ordeal that required some joint creative thinking)

Tomorrow, we plan to get to Kellogg Idaho (69 miles) or possibly press further if the bike shop doesn’t take too much time. We’re also ready for a hotel stay after a very sweaty day today.

I’m going to close with two playlist additions tonight since the writing is brief. First… I’m hoping we’re past some of these bike difficulties; I think we get a long reprieve from the gravel and hope to see less trouble: Trouble

Second – we’ve been working on naming our steeds; I’m not sure we’re 100% set yet, but Lecy has referenced his as Charlie Brown (I guess cuz it’s boring and brown), Geeto’s Miami Vice again due to his color scheme (though I think he should pick either Crocket or Tubbs). I’m going with Vivian, or Vic for short (the bike maker is Vivente). However, Lecy keeps suggesting I look like a gypsy, and telling others I look like one. Then today after laying on the dry earth during a saddle break, he said I looked like Pigpen, or some kinda tramp. So, this one’s for you Bill Rohde: Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves

Responses

  1. merileechopp Avatar
    merileechopp

    Oh man, such trouble with bikes and such a difficult ride so far.  Better biking

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  2. secrettechnically20a4ded38c Avatar
    secrettechnically20a4ded38c

    Hope the coming days are uneventful other than the beautiful scenery. Looks like you will be crossing the Bitterroot’s tomorrow. Enjoy❤️

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